STYLE Savvy: Small Chunks, Big Payoff

Happy New Year! Is getting organized on your list of New Year’s resolutions?

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it enough times to make regular readers roll their eyes: organizing is a process. When it comes to finding “just right” strategies, the first time isn’t always the charm. And, since big jobs can be overwhelming, finding a way to break them into smaller, more approachable tasks often makes progress easier.

Have a big job you need to get done? Here are a few ways to overcome procrastination and dig in, one step at a time.

Choose a time frame. Whether you Give it Five! or have an hour to spare, dedicating time to make progress is always a win. In addition, just getting started can get you on a roll so that you might just decide to continue after your designated time is up. … Or not. It’s up to you.

Choose a number. When time is available only in snippets or when you need to see piles grow smaller or spaces grow less cluttered, try setting a target number of things to put away by the end of the morning, afternoon, evening, or day. Don’t have a lot of time? Every time you walk past something that’s not where it belongs, pick it up and put it away. More than just a few things out of place? Pick up something every time you walk past. Baby steps.

Choose one singular sensation. Just one drawer, just one shelf, just one pile … all of these are good places to start. Best of all, you know when you’re finished.